What is Criminal Justice?
You will work in the field of law enforcement, corrections, court systems, loss safety and prevention, and other related areas. Criminal justice occupations have evolved from jobs with minimal requirements to employment positions that require complex knowledge and skills.
What are my career choices?
Federal, state, county, municipal levels of government, and private sectors of the criminal justice field. As part of the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Criminal Justice Degree at MCTC you can choose from four different tracks: Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Corrections and Security and Loss Prevention. Progression in the Criminal Justice Program is contingent upon the achievement of a grade of C or better in each CRJ course and maintenance of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or better.
What classes do I have to take?
You will take a core of criminal justice courses, technical electives related to criminal justice and general education courses.
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
Degrees and Transfers
To see a complete course listing for each credential use the KCTCS Course Catalog.
Certificates
- Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate
- Advanced Technologies in Criminal Justice - Certificate
- Community Reentry Specialist - Certificate
- Computer Forensics - Certificate
- Corrections - Certificate
- Criminal Behavior - Certificate
- Criminal Justice Core - Certificate
- Industrial Safety and Security - Certificate
- Law Enforcement - Certificate
- Security and Loss Prevention - Certificate
Other Important Information
Most potential employers will require that graduates have a criminal background check and security clearance. A felony conviction or a bad driving record could keep you from gaining employment. Also, keep in mind that some agencies will usually have physical fitness requirements.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and functions of the criminal justice system.
- Identify and understand the basic concepts of criminal justice.
- Demonstrate an understanding of trends, issues, and ethics of criminal justice.
- Identify, understand, and demonstrate the basic concepts of criminal investigations.
Length of Program
You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
